The boy's days at the university were a mix of relentless bullying and fleeting moments of solace with his two friends. Every day was a battle for survival, both emotionally and mentally. Despite the hardships, he clung to his studies, excelling in every subject, his grades reflecting a brilliance that few could match.
One late afternoon, as he was collecting bottles near the campus, he noticed an old man struggling to walk, clutching his chest in pain. While others passed by, indifferent, he rushed to the man's side, offering support. The old man's eyes were filled with gratitude, and despite his own dire circumstances, the boy used the little money he had earned from collecting bottles to buy medicine for him. After ensuring the old man was stable, the boy left, never expecting to see him again.
---
Weeks later, the boy's world remained as bleak as ever. The university was abuzz with rumors of an upcoming party, and he knew what that meant—another opportunity for his classmates to mock him. The rich boy, his old nemesis, was already boasting about how he would treat everyone at the party, using the opportunity to belittle the boy further.
"Hey, why don't you join us?" the rich boy sneered. "Oh wait, you can't afford it. Maybe you can pick up the trash after we're done."
Laughter echoed through the hallway, but the boy remained silent, his face stoic, hiding the pain that simmered beneath the surface.
---
That night, alone in his tiny, rundown room, he reflected on the day's events. His phone buzzed, displaying an unknown number. Hesitant, he answered.
"Is this the young man who helped an old man a few weeks ago?" the voice on the other end inquired.
"Yes, who is this?" he replied cautiously.
"I have important news for you. Please, meet me at the address I'll send you. Trust me, it will change your life."
The call ended, leaving the boy more confused than ever. Moments later, a text with an address to an upscale hotel lit up his screen. Skepticism filled his mind, but something compelled him to follow through.
---
The next day, he stood outside the grand entrance of the hotel, feeling out of place in his plain clothes. As he attempted to enter, the doorman stopped him, eyeing him disdainfully.
"This is a respectable place. No beggars allowed."
Before he could respond, his phone buzzed again. "Let him in," the voice commanded. The doorman's demeanor shifted instantly, and he was escorted to the top floor.
In the opulent office, a well-dressed man greeted him with a deep bow. "Young master," he said respectfully, "we've been waiting for you."
Confused and overwhelmed, the boy listened as the man recounted how the old man he had helped was a billionaire with no heirs. Touched by the boy's selflessness, he had left his entire fortune to him. However, there were conditions: his identity had to remain a secret for his safety, and he was now tasked with reclaiming the lost parts of the old man's empire.
As the boy processed the revelation, the man handed him three cards—a black card, a golden membership card, and another mysterious card whose purpose would be revealed in time.
Leaving the hotel, the boy's mind raced. His life had just taken an unimaginable turn, but he knew that with great power came great responsibility—and danger.
---
Back in his humble room, he stared at the black card, contemplating the reality of his new identity. Determined to test its authenticity, he decided to use a small amount. The next day, as he entered the class, the rich boy was already orchestrating a class party, mocking him once again.
"Don't worry," the boy said calmly. "I'll cover half the bill."
The room fell silent, disbelief etched on everyone's faces. As they headed to a lavish hotel, the boy swiped his black card, leaving everyone stunned, especially the rich boy, who couldn't afford the remaining bill without his father's help.
For the first time, the boy felt a sense of quiet triumph. But as he walked away, he knew that this was just the beginning of a long, arduous journey, one filled with secrets, power struggles, and the ever-present shadows of his past.